NEW: Weekly Ann Arbor Senior Center Newsletter

Word of the Week: Gadabout: a person who flits about in social activity as by going to as many places and social events for pleasure. “She was a gadabout who was rarely home, and her tiny apartment was cluttered with playbill and other souvenirs of her adventures."

Quote of the Week: “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill 

Please Note:
The senior center facility will be closed Dec. 21-Jan. 5. We have some exciting facility improvements underway that will be finished by the time we reopen! You can reach staff during this time by phone or email while we are closed, but in the meantime, we will have normal business hours through Dec. 20. Happy holidays!

You CAN Make a Difference this Holiday Season! Community Action Network (CAN) partners with children, youth and families from under-resourced Washtenaw County neighborhoods to create better futures for themselves and improve the communities in which they live. Help support CAN's community centers this holiday season by donating! Deadline for in-person donations is Dec. 30, a collection bin is available in the lobby of the Senior Center during business hours, and after hours there is a drop off cart available at the front door. Donations can be made online at www.canwashtenaw.org/ways-to-give or in person. Items needed include: Non-perishable food: canned items such as soup, meats (tuna fish, chicken) or vegetables; packaged items like pasta, rice, cereal, oatmeal, baking supplies, granola bars, Goldfish; condiments; nut butters or jelly; and baby food or formula; nutritious snacks (granola or oat bars, popcorn, trail mix, veggie chips/straws/crisps, individual apple sauce, fruit bars, crackers, jerky, fruit chips/crisps, quinoa/rice cakes, pretzels, etc.) Essential supplies — Toiletries: deodorant, toilet paper, shower gel, shaving gel, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand wipes. Household items: laundry liquid detergent, laundry powder, washing up liquid. Feminine products: sanitary towels and tampons. Baby supplies: diapers, baby wipes and baby food.

Your feedback is import: Technology for Seniors Survey

Our long time workshop leader and technology guru, James Giordani, has moved to a new company AsKevin. Together we are interested in learning what kinds of meaningful technology support our members would like to see, such as presentations, workshops, and classes that address your technology wants and needs. Please take a moment to complete this survey so we can develop future classes that meet what folks are looking for. We also have printed copies of the survey at the center if you’d prefer to complete one in person. Thank you!

Upcoming Events

NEW! Drop-in Tai Chi

Wednesdays through Jan. 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1). All tai chi participants welcome. If you participate in either of our WCC Senior Focus tai chi classes, this is an hour to practice in between the summer and fall semester. Not in one of our classes? No problem! Come and meet new people. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Contact 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2, nonmembers.

NEW TIME! Technology Workshop: Password Peril

Thursday, Dec. 19, 10-11 a.m. Join James Giordani from AsKevin for this educational workshop. Say goodbye to password frustrations once and for all! Learn practical tips for creating safe, secure, and reliable ones while also exploring the fascinating history and future of passwords. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

NEW DATE! Travels With George: Iberia and Viking Saga

Thursday, Dec. 19, 1:30-4 p.m. Join us on a travelogue with host George Jabol for a cruise along the Atlantic shores of Europe. We’ll stop in London (The National Gallery and Windsor Castle), Ryndam (Holland America cruise ship), Normandy the quaint French city of Bayeux, Santiago de Compostela in

Spain, Gibraltar and its resident monkeys, Cadiz and Jerez, Lisbon Portugal (Jeronimos Monastery, the Maritime Museum, the Belem Tower, and the Discoveries Monument, Ghent in Belgium, England, and Oslo Norway. Come be with us on this unforgettable tour of scenic and historic places in Europe.

Come be with us on this unforgettable tour of scenic and historic places in Europe. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Workshop: A Look Into Osteoporosis

Tuesday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m.-noon. Join Inge, our past Nordic walking instructor, for this informative workshop! This class is for people with osteopenia and osteoporosis who want more information about exercise guidelines, good body mechanics, activities to avoid, balance training and fall prevention. Inge Gaiser is a semi-retired physical therapist, who is herself diagnosed with osteoporosis and has lots of continuing education and expertise in treatment of osteoporosis. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

NEW! Drive-through: Cold Weather Safety

Wednesday, Jan. 8, noon-1 p.m. Join Atria Senior Living for this fun, and cozy event! Enjoy snacks, socialize indoors, and pick up information. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. required. Contact 734.794.6250. Free for members; $5 nonmembers. ​

 Intermediate Tai Chi      

Wednesdays, Jan. 15-March 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class Feb. 19). This tai Chi class combines martial arts movements with Qi (energy) circulation, breathing and stretching techniques. This class helps improve balance and overall health and is suitable for intermediate level Tai Chi students. Instructed by Karla Groesbeck. This class is offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College​ for adults 65+. Class is held at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Workshop: Domestic Violence 101

Thursday, Jan. 16, 1-2 p.m. Join Ally Zenda, the Domestic Violence Outreach Coordinator for the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office for education and awareness on Domestic Violence. Learn about what domestic violence is, the signs and effects of DV, and resources available in our community with the SAFE program. The SAFE Program is a grant-based program through the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office and Safehouse that helps educate the community about domestic violence. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit www.a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Workshop: The Wild World of Menopause

Monday, Jan. 27, 1-2 p.m. Join Paige, Community Outreach Educator of Planned Parenthood of Michigan to learn more about the wild world of menopause! We’ll be learning more about the ways our brains and bodies change during this process, breaking down stigma and more. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

New Artist Exhibit:
“Pin Up Women” featuring Sophie Grillet, Susan Lawless and Sally Silvennoinen

Show on display January-March. Artist opening reception on Friday, Jan. 24, 5-7 p.m. A statement from the artists: “We are four diverse artists, collaboratively exhibiting our views of the clothes line through the lens of our camera. Take a closer look at something familiar and see through renewed eyes. Have your thoughts wander through your memory, nostalgia, and personal stories."

Who remembers: Folding a sheet from the line together? Seeing the laundry dance about like people? Admiring the shapes and colors on the line, especially your own! Having a good reason to step outside with a big basket on your hip? Running between fluttering sheets with - or as - a giggling toddler? Breathing in the fresh scent of naturally dried laundry? Clothes lines have been used for thousands of years all around the world. Take a closer look at the familiar and see through fresh eyes: as good housekeeping, as environmentalism, as visual poetry, as a symphony of clothes dancing on the line. Enjoy our photography show, just hangin'…” Visit the show at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave., (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday). Learn more at a2gov.org/senior. Call 734.794.6250. Free admission.

Lunch & Learn Workshops

Lunch and Learn: Cultivating Joy

Wednesday, Jan. 15, noon-1 p.m. Join Home Helpers Home Care for a discussion-based workshop for making this season of life happy, contented, and full of meaning. Studies show that cultivating joy helps build resilience for when we find ourselves in the inevitable yucky or painful places of life. We will talk about small, easy ways to cultivate joy in our daily lives, and have some fun while we're at it! Light lunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Lunch and Learn: Insights on Vertigo

Wednesday, Jan. 22, noon-1 p.m. Please join Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists for this presentation on vertigo and balance dysfunction, delving into the complexities of these conditions. We will offer insights into their causes, symptoms, and impact on daily life. We will discuss effective diagnostic approaches and highlight treatments, including rehabilitative exercises and therapeutic strategies aimed at improving balance and reducing dizziness. Participants will gain practical knowledge on managing vertigo and balance issues, empowering them to take proactive steps towards better health and enhanced quality of life. Light lunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Weekly Activities

Move and Groove for Seniors – Sign Up for the New Semester Starting in January

Wednesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. (No class Dec. 25 or Jan. 1). Ballet Chelsea's Adaptive Dance Program (ADP) brings movement classes to residents ages 3 to 93. This Move and Groove class for Seniors, taught by Kari Becker, is tailor made to the needs and abilities of the participants and aims to improve coordination and balance, endurance, flexibility, self-confidence and for students - teamwork. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Contact 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Mind Matters – Extra Games in December!

Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. (No games on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1); Mondays, Dec. 23 and 30, 10-11 a.m.; and Thursdays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, 10-11 a.m.  Via Zoom. Join us for fun brain exercises that are designed to keep your brain young, strong, agile, and adaptable. No experience necessary – just bring a pen, paper, and an open mind! Join Zoom meeting ID: 947 2633 1603. Passcode: 739714 or click here. Questions? Contact 734.794.6250. Free for members; nonmembers, $2.

Scrabble

Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m. (No game Dec. 25 or Jan. 1). What has 100 tiles, 225 squares, a multi-colored board and millions of fans of all ages, backgrounds, and locales? Calling all Scrabble lovers! Easy to teach, easy to learn and fun to play: this group is for people who like a little friendly competition and riotous conversation. All experience levels are welcome, so if you like the occasional game of Scrabble, then join us! Friends encouraged. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 for nonmembers.

Trivia Over Zoom

Wednesdays, Dec. 18, Jan. 8 and 22, 1-2 p.m. Join us on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Invite your friends, grandchildren and neighbors to login and play with you, or be placed on a team with others. We will keep a tally of winners and at the end, will have prizes that you can pick up. Join Zoom Meeting URL by clicking here.​ Zoom Meeting ID: 979 1239 9740 Passcode: 194912. Contact 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. ​Free for members; $2 nonmembers.​ 

Artist’s Open Studio – Additional December Dates

Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. (Closed on Dec. 26, and Jan. 2); and Fridays Dec. 13 and 20, noon-2:30 p.m.  Calling all artists and craft enthusiasts! Join us for a weekly open studio where we invite you to bring your own projects and art equipment to work on in a creative, and supportive environment. Don’t have your hands on a project or equipment? Not to worry – we have a collection of materials and craft projects that you can choose from. Friends encouraged. Please call ahead of time to learn what materials we have on hand. Open to all ages 18+. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members, $2 for nonmembers.

Senior Mall Walks – Additional December Dates

Fridays, 10-11 a.m. (Additional dates Tuesdays Dec. 17, 10-11 a.m.) Join us for a weekly one-mile loop around the mall! In lieu of unpredictable and cold weather, our summer park walks will be moving indoors for the winter. Meet staff from the Ann Arbor Senior Center at Briarwood Mall, near the Panda Express entrance (between JCPenney and Macy’s) and walk together indoors. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 per walk for nonmembers.

Bridge

Non-Sanctioned Bridge

Mondays, 12:30-3:30. (No game Dec. 23 or 30). Directed by Ray Gentz, attracts players of all ages with varied levels of expertise including life master’s to beginners. All ages 18+ welcome. More information can be found at annarborbridge.com. Call 734.794.6250. Members, $3; nonmembers, $5.

ACBL Sanctioned Bridge Games

Thursdays, noon-3:30 p.m. (No game on Dec. 26 or Jan. 2) Join us for sanctioned bridge with our new director, Matt Evett! No partner? No problem! Arrive by 11:30 a.m. and tell the director. Open to all ages 18+. More information can be found at annarborbridge.com​. Call 734.794.6250. Members, $8; nonmembers, $9.

NEW! Bridge II Play of the Hand: Part II

Mondays, Jan. 13-April 7, 9:30-11:30 a.m. This class is designed for advanced beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve declarer skills and will cover chapters 4-6 of the text. The main part of the course deals with play of the hand as declarer. Other parts include bidding reviews, defense, and more. The class will run with lecture for the first 75 minutes or so followed by play practice for the remaining time. The required text is "Play of the Hand in the 21^st Century" by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10‏:‎ 0939460947). Open to all ages. Prerequisite: Bridge I or equivalent class. Instructor Ray Gentz. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $130, members; $156, nonmembers (Drop-in fee: $15, members; $17, nonmembers).  

NEW! Bridge Defense: Part II

Tuesdays, Jan. 14-April 8, 10 a.m.-noon. This class is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their defensive play. The class will run with lecture and discussion from the required text, “Defense in the 21^st Century” by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: ‎ 0939460653), for the first 75 minutes followed by play practice for the remaining 45 minutes. Hands will be analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play and defense. We will study chapters 4-6. Students must register in advance for all 13-weeks. It is recommended students have some type of previous bidding class or experience. Instructor: Ray Gentz. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $130, members; $156  nonmembers (Drop-in fee: $15, members; $17).

NEW! Bridge for Beginners: Part II

Tuesday, Jan. 14-April 8, 1-3 p.m.  This class will cover chapters 6-9 of the required text “Bidding in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: ‎0939460939). The first 60 minutes will be for lecture followed by a 5 minute break which will be followed by 25 minutes more lecture. The last 30 minutes will be for play of hands. This is a great review class for others who may want a good review of overcalls, takeout doubles and Stayman. The class is for anyone who has taken Bridge I through Rec & Ed or Bridge for Beginners at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Instructor: Ray Gentz. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $130, members; $156, nonmembers (Drop-in fee: $15, members; $17).